why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a fantastic dish that combines bright flavors with easy cooking. It’s great for busy days when you want a warm and hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. The chicken cooks slowly, becoming tender and flavorful, while the rice serves as a perfect side that soaks up all the delicious juices.
how to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions using water.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks, stirring back into the juices.
- Serve the lemon herb chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
how to serve Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Serve the chicken warm over the fluffy rice. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color and a burst of freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
how to store Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
tips to make Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon mixture overnight before cooking.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour.
- Make sure to shred the chicken well, so it absorbs the juices completely.
variation
You can change the herbs used in this recipe according to your taste. For instance, you might try adding basil or oregano for a different flavor profile. Additionally, you could add chopped vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that cooking time may be slightly longer.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the slow cooker along with the chicken for added nutrition.
Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Sauté the garlic and herbs in a regular pot, add the chicken, and then add broth. Cover and cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Then, you can follow the instructions for the rice as stated.
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 2 pieces lemons (juiced and zested) Fresh lemons for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) For a stronger garlic flavor, add more.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Can substitute with fresh thyme.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Can substitute with fresh rosemary.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning as desired.
- 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium broth is recommended.
Rice Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice Use long-grain or jasmine rice for best results.
- 4 cups water For cooking the rice.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) Chopped, for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking the Rice
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice according to package instructions using water.
Serving
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks, stirring back into the juices.
- Serve the lemon herb chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with fresh parsley.